Scooters are becoming an increasingly popular method of transport with commuters. Scooters are not as affected by congestion in cities as cars and benefit with being easy to park.
As an alternative to a car they are perfect for many, using much less fuel and generally having cheaper running costs. They are also the perfect choice for those who don't like using public transport or find it unreliable. Additionally, for those in London, they are excluded from the congestion charge.
Cheaper running costs are a big plus with the cost of petrol currently exceeding £1.20 in some parts of the UK. Scooters can offer as much as two to three times the mileage of a standard car. In tough economic climates these savings can seem very noticeable.
Choice is also not a problem when it comes to scooters. Many brand names are available from well known names such as Honda and Peugeot as well as some less well known but popular scooter manufacturers.
Much like choosing a car, the particular model you choose will depend on your needs and budget. There are many temptingly cheap Chinese made scooters on the market however the reliability of these can be questionable and parts can be scarce.
Safety is of paramount importance when riding a scooter, therefore not only should the bike be suitable for you and safe to ride but appropriate safety equipment should also be worn. A safety helmet is required by law to be worn when riding on public roads.
Below are some tips on buying a used scooter:
Tax and MOT
Check with the owner if the scooter is taxed and has an MOT. Failure to ride without valid tax and an MOT certificate is illegal. Also, a recently certified MOT may be a good indicator of the road worthiness of the bike.
Service history and warranty
Ask if the scooter has any service history. Again a good service history will indicate if the bike has been properly looked after and had any major problems. Additionally, this will help to validate the mileage shown on the clock. A warranty will be a bonus.
Log book (v5)
A log book provides information on the scooter's history, and is very important. Make sure the seller has this.
Outstanding finance
Lastly, check if the scooter has any finance left to pay on it. There are services available that will allow you to check this information for a small fee. If there is outstanding finance, the finance company will be able to repossess the scooter from you if the payments are not made.
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